As globalization continues to push people across borders, the question of where to call home becomes increasingly complex. For African migrants in Europe, this decision is especially fraught with difficulty.
In the documentary “Surprising Europe – Home Sweet Home,” viewers are given an intimate look into the lives of African migrants who have chosen to return home after living in Europe. Despite the poverty and hardship they often faced, these migrants decided to leave behind the comfort and familiarity of life in Europe to start anew back home.
One such migrant is Evariste from Burkina Faso. After working as a fruit picker in Italy for five years, he grew tired of the discrimination and insecurity he faced there. He returned home and opened a fitness studio, where he now leads a discussion group advising young people about living in Europe. But his stories are met with disbelief, as many of the young people he speaks with cannot imagine leaving behind the prospect of a better life in Europe.
Singer Annie, born in Italy to Liberian parents, forms the duo PepeSoup with her boyfriend, blending African rhythms with European tunes. Her greatest wish is to visit Liberia, the place where her parents were born, and contribute to the country. But like many other migrants, she struggles to balance the desire to help her homeland with the realities of life in Europe.
Binata from Senegal is trained as an accountant, but due to the lack of job opportunities, finds herself making money by braiding hair on a Spanish beach. She is ashamed of her situation and longs to return home, but the financial support she provides for her family makes the decision to leave Europe a difficult one.
Through these personal stories, “Surprising Europe – Home Sweet Home” sheds light on the complexities of leaving one’s homeland and the challenges of finding a new home in a foreign land. It highlights the difficult decisions that migrants face, and the sacrifices they must make in pursuit of a better life.
Ultimately, the documentary is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. Despite the hardships faced by these migrants, they continue to strive for a better life, whether that means staying in Europe or returning home. “Surprising Europe – Home Sweet Home” is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the struggles and triumphs of African migrants in Europe.
